Project for the preparation of a Strategic Action Plan for the ...

SAP-BIO-Lebanon National Report Page 11 of 95
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Winds, waves and currents move pollutants progressively shoreward depositing organic matter, wood and
solid waste along the shores, creating unsightly and sometimes dangerous conditions for the public.
1.6. Nutrients
The oriental basin of the Mediterranean is not as rich in nutrients as the occidental basin. Although there
are significant discharges of nitrates and phosphates into the sea through sewers and rivers, Lebanon's
coastal waters have not experienced any eutrophication problems or toxic algae blooms so far.
2. Marine and Coastal biodiversity
The marine and coastal flora and fauna in Lebanon are considered to be Mediterranean with some subtropical
elements. Phytoplankton, which includes all microphytic algae, constitutes the basis of the food
chain in the sea through their primary productivity. The micro and macrophytic benthic algae are highly
affected by coastal pollution.
In addition, macro-zooplankton are highly abundant in the Lebanese water and of various types, including
crustaceans, which are prevalent, as well as fish species that are disturbed by early fishing and unsafe
fishing methods. Urbanization, industry, domestic wastes, garbage and illegal fishing methods are
stressing and damaging local biodiversity. Because of the coastal sand and pebble extraction and
urbanization, the sighting of turtles and Mediterranean monk seals is a rare phenomenon, even though
there is a recent unconfirmed report of sighting of monk seals in North Lebanon. However, frequent
sightings of marine turtles and nesting sites have been confirmed in the past two years in different
locations of the Lebanese coast. The sea horse is also severely threatened by loss of habitat. Of particular
significance is the loss of local terraces that are rich in biodiversity and unique to this part of the
Mediterranean (Anonymous, 1998, NBSAP).
The coastal waters, however, allow for a potentially rich biological system. The Lebanese marine
ecosystem comprises 1685 species of fauna of which 50 are commercially important fish species. The
number of planktonic primary and secondary producers is over 1250 species (Anonymous, 1998,
NBSAP). These await proper documentation and conservation because they are subjected to pollution
from land based sources (industry, sewage discharges, power plants and oil lines just to mention a few).
It is fortunate however, that there are still a few coastal areas that have preserved their natural biotopes
and beauty. These, together with a number of river valleys, must be properly identified and protected.
Two coastal nature reserves were declared by law: “Tyre Coast Nature Reserve” (Decree 708,
12/11/1998) and the “Palm Islands Nature Reserve” (Decree 121, 12/03/1992). Four RAMSAR sites have
been declared in Lebanon, with three coastal: “Tyre Coast Nature Reserve”, “Palm Islands Nature
Reserve” and “Ras El Chaqaa”. It is precisely along this thinking and by providing refuge that marine
turtles, after a long absence, have recently been spotted. A recent study indicated that there are currently
19 beaches (12 south of Beirut and 7 north of Beirut) that represent potential nesting habitats (Demirayak
et al. 2002).
Apart from the two coastal nature reserves three atypical coastal habitats need to be conserved in order to
protect rare plants and landscapes of biological interest. These are river mouths, coastal dunes and coastal
springs. Remaining typical coastal habitats include sandy beaches, rocky beaches, abandoned fields, and
cliffs and cliff faces. These harbor typical littoral plant communities.
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Prepared By M. Nader & S. Talhouk June, 2002